I had the pleasure of helping out at a frog workshop at Mooloolah last Sunday as a joint effort by Mooloolah Waterwatch and Landcare and the QLD Frog Society. Rod and Jenny from QFS gave a workshop on frog basics, and displayed several species that can be often found around the area, as well as information about cane toads. Though there were a few less people than expected, everyone enjoyed their time and brushed up on their identification skills. Afterwards Jan and her husband from MWL put on an awesome BBQ feast in the evening before we went frogging around their property and the neighbours. They’re fortunate enough to have a creek run on the side of the property where several Mixophyes iteratus (Giant Barred frogs) can be found. We did find one that Rod showed to the workshop participants while another was calling but well hidden in amongst the leaf litter and evaded our intense searching!
The south-east had received several dangerous storms during Saturday and two passed over the Sunshine Coast area the Sunday afternoon and evening, dumping considerable and much needed rain over the area and even letting a few hail stones loose in some areas. Whilst out frogging many of those that came to the workshop got a real taste of what frogging can be like as they returned soaking wet during the downpour, although they all had big grins on their faces 😛 . Myself and Scott went out frogging afterwards to the nearby property which is home to dozens of Litoria tyleri (Laughing treefrogs) and L. peronii (Emerald-spotted treefrogs), as well as L. fallax (Eastern sedgefrogs).
I could’ve spent much longer there, but headed back. I regret not recording the sound of the chorus they were all making – it was quite awesome.
After arriving back home, I was greeted with the pleasant calls of L. gracilenta (Graceful treefrogs). I’d missed not hearing them since the downpours earlier this year as they only appear after heavy rain.
I also found a Limnodynastes peronii (Striped marsh frog) while looking around. Unfortunately the next morning I couldn’t find any Graceful treefrog eggs that had been laid during the night. Still, the impressive 63mls we received that day was the most we’d had since early June and now the grass and gardens are looking great!
Well now I’ve just finished my final exams so have a few days of absolute freedom from university! Yay! I begin two work placements shortly so stay tuned for plenty more frog photos coming soon!